KWE poaches Valad’s Fraser Kennedy to head finance team

Kennedy Wilson Europe (KWE) has appointed Fraser Kennedy as head of finance.

Kennedy will lead KWE’s 19-strong finance team and will report to Mary Ricks, president and chief executive of KWE.

Kennedy leaves his role as chief financial officer at Valad Europe, where he has been in the post for the past five years. Prior to Valad, Kennedy worked at Legal & General Investment Management and Haysmacintyre.

“Fraser brings a strong set of skills to KWE, and we believe his talent and experience in both the financial and real estate markets will help to further support the business and strengthen our team as we pursue our growth ambitions,” said Ricks.

Valad has promoted Claire Treacy to replace Kennedy as chief financial officer.

Prior to her promotion, Treacy was head of tax and risk at Valad, a role she has been in for the past 10 years.

She will now be responsible for Valad’s corporate finance functions, debt origination and management of the company’s finance operations across Europe.

“Claire has been an integral part of the team for a number of years and throughout this time has demonstrated an exemplary track record supporting all of our major transactions,” said David Kirkby, Managing Director of Valad Europe.

“This appointment provides important continuity to our business as we embark on the next ambitious phase of our growth as part of Cromwell Property Group.”